5 Smart Ways to Prevent Dog Bites

 

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 18-24th. You may have seen the Care2 post last week about the little boy who was attacked by a dog when he was on his bike, but his cat came to the rescue and chased away the dog. The ASPCA predicts that 50 percent of children will be bitten before they turn 12-years-old.

According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and the Center for Disease Control, dog bites were the 11th leading cause of nonfatal injury to children ages 1 to 4, 9th for ages 5 to 9 and 11th for ages 10 to 14 from 2003 to 2012.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers these dog bite facts:

• Each year, more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs.
• Almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
• Every year, more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites; at least half of them are children.
• Children are, by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.
• Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs.
• Senior citizens are the second most common dog bite victims.

Internationally renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell is a spokesperson for National Dog Bite Prevention Week. She says, “Most dog bites are preventable and are a perfect situation of circumstance, situation and environment. If we learn to understand dogs, learn their body language, and empower children with that knowledge, there will be less dog bites.” She offers these tips to help prevent dog bites:

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-smart-ways-to-prevent-dog-bites.html#ixzz338cro94o

Disallow Michael Vick from the Cortland Campus

Please consider signing the following petition on Change.org

Michael Vick has recently become a member of the New York Jets football team, which practices on the SUNY Cortland campus.  Vick has served a short sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting conspiracy, but animal cruelty charges were dropped in return for his guilty plea.  This does not mean, however, that his crimes should be forgotten-  He tortured more than fifty dogs, attaching them to car batteries via jumper cables and throwing them into water to watch them drown, beating and hanging them, slamming their heads and spines into the ground until they died, setting them against each other in brutal fights, rendering them defenseless and using them as bait for training, and more.  He is a monster and a disgrace, and has never once apologized.  He has even admitted that he would continue to fight dogs if given the chance.

I love SUNY Cortland, and cannot abide welcoming this sociopath onto our campus with open arms.  We need to stand by what is right as a university by barring him from the grounds.  I don't want him anywhere near my beloved college or community.  We MUST send the message that we won't be party to the torture of animals by conveniently forgetting what he has done.  If we welcome Vick onto our campus, we are complicit in his crimes.

If you agree and think that Michael Vick should not be allowed on SUNY Cortland property, please sign this petition and share it with your friends.

Chinese Dogs at Meal Time

What a well-mannered bunch!

Meet Leon Trotsky: Piglet on Wheels

Rescued by a kind hearted soul and brought to Edgar’s Mission farm animal sanctuary, Leon Trotsky is a piglet with more spunk and tenacity than most.

Taking on the world with his brand new set of wheels, Leon is trotting his way into the hearts of people all over the globe as they fall head over heels in love with his adorable character.

At just three weeks old, little Leon Trotsky has beaten the odds not once, but twice! Destined for the plate, Leon’s future didn’t look so bright, and when an accident claimed the life of two of his siblings, it seemed as though things weren’t going to get any better for this innocent little chap.

The accident which was caused by his injured mother falling on him, leaving Leon with a broken and dislocated femur, injured hock and ligament damage.

Sadly, for most piglets on commercial pig farms that suffer from similar injuries, their fate would be a blunt trauma to the head as this is the easiest and most cost effective way to address the problem because their life is considered worthless.

Luckily for Leon, he found his way to Edgar’s Mission sanctuary, where the incredible Pam Ahern and team assembled to give this courageous piglet the life he deserves. Ironically, it is Leon’s injury that saved him and will allow him to be known as someone and not something for the rest of his days.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/meet-leon-trotsky-piglet-on-wheels.html#ixzz30sQdpCUm

Choosing the Best Shelter Dog for You

Adopting a dog from a shelter has a common checklist for different families. Your home, children’s ages, time and energy may all be considered. With so many choices at dog rescues, choosing the right shelter dog is challenging.

Thankfully, you can make an informed decision with some due diligence.

Here are things to consider:

Your Experience Level: 

Some rescue dogs may require unique handling or medical needs. Dogs with a history of physical or verbal abuse need time to acclimate. Neglected dogs may be despondent or very shy.

You should consider how the dog’s history may affect care. Do you have experience handling a dog with temperament issues? Will you have the time and patience to work with a dog reluctant to go on walks? Each shelter dog has vast potential in the right environment.

Hounds for Heroes is an organization that trains many shelter dogs to be valuable companions. Los Angeles Investor Elliott Broidy started the non-profit to match wounded veterans with shelter dogs. Similarly, matching your capacity and time with a rescue dog’s needs is a best practice.

If you simply want a ‘ready to go’ dog, work with the rescue to find a best fit. Many shelter dogs come from good homes. First time dog owners may consider these canines to start with. You can build dog handling skills and perhaps return in the future to adopt a pooch with more complex needs.

Your Activity Level: 

Ripped furniture, barking and anxiety. These are all symptoms of a bored dog. Much like us, dogs have different personalities. While all dogs deserve some fun time, some require more extended activity.

Are you an active person? Determine how much you’re willing to increase or decrease activity levels for the new dog. Ask the shelter staff about what they’ve observed. You will avoid frustration by picking a dog that matches your energy level.

Your Family: 

Children and dogs are often best friends. Cute baby and dog photos draw raves on the internet. However, young children may tug a dog’s ears or innocently antagonize a pooch. This behavior should be cautioned with any dog and some education may be needed.

Sit down with your children BEFORE bringing a dog home. Set firm rules on what is acceptable.

Tip: Framing rules in a child’s perspective is helpful. Ask ‘Would you like it if someone pulled your ears?’ This helps children understand what is being asked of them.

Summary:

Dogs enrich our lives in many ways. You will provide a loving home for the right dog with simple preparation.

A How to Guide on Fun Ways to Bond with Your Dog

Spending time with our dogs is a highlight of the day. Being greeted by wagging tails and wet noses melts away stress. However, the routine joy our pups bring us does not have to be standard.

There are fun and easy ways to increase the bonds with our dogs. Changing up our activities has benefits on several levels. These include:

• More Effective Training 
• Home Health Checkups 
• Increased energy and happiness for both of you 

Here are some tips to add variety and fun to your dog’s life. (After all, it’s all about them!)

Walk Different Locations and Routes:

The daily walk is a staple dog activity. Walks provide valuable exercise and the chance to socialize in ways home life does not offer.

You can maximize these benefits by walking different places. Consider parks or outdoor malls where the sights and sound are new. Go for a ride and roll down the windows in route to a new location. Your dog’s keen senses will anticipate the fun, as he gets anxious to see what lies ahead.

At minimum, walk a different route in your neighborhood from time to time. This could be simply going left out of the driveway instead of right. You will likely notice increased alertness and energy. The benefits often carry over back at home.

Many dogs are more calm and attentive after a unique spot has been explored. The mental stimulation is also an effective training tool. Hounds for Heroes trains service dogs using similar techniques. Founded by Philanthropist Elliott Broidy, the non-profit matches wounded vets with service animals.

Tip: Walking in new places may overcome walk reluctance. This varies from dog to dog, but a change of scenery could motivate your pup to walk more (or simply get started)

Credit: Humphrey the English Bulldog (Writer’s Dog)

‘Let’s try a new place. I’m sick of the same old bench.’

Dog Massage: 

Massages are an easy way to improve your dog’s health and increase pet/owner bonds. The benefits of massaging your dog include: 

• Reduced Joint Stiffness: This may also encourage you dog to walk more. 
• Improved Circulation: Tied to joint stifness with similar benefits. 
• Strenghtens Bonds: Massage is an interactive activity.
• Home Health Check Up: In a relaxed state, you can examine the coat, skin, mouth, eyes and ears in ways usally not possible. You will also become familiar with how the dog feels to your touch. This helps you notice if subtle changes take place. 

Each dog/owner duo has different schedules. The key is to pick a time where your dog is calm and accepting. For instance, immediately before or after a walk is not preferred in most cases. Some ideal times for doggie massage could be:

• Before or after sleep 
• Cool down periods after walks. About an hour or so when the adrenaline rush is dropping. 
• Before potty breaks. Your dog can expel toxins released by the massage afterwards. 

Make sure to overestimate your strength during the massage. DO NOT apply any pressure or touch your dog’s spine. Avoid using treats to lure your dog for a massage. He or she will simply expect more treats instead of sitting calmly!

Here’s a checklist for effective dog massage:

• Softly rub under the chin and rub the cheeks with small circular strokes. 
• Gently rub fingertips up and down 2 inches AWAY from either side of the spine. 
• Rub between the paw pads. 
• Gently flex front and back paws. 

Summary: 

Increasing the health and happiness of our dogs doesn’t have to be expensive. We can simply invest a bit of time for much stronger bonds.

So, You Taught Your Dog to Roll Over

If you taught your pet to roll over, shake hands or play dead, don't go spraining your shoulder patting yourself on the back.

Check out what this guy did!